What is climate displacement? Understanding the causes and consequences

In an interview with Conectas, a specialist from the University of Passo Fundo (RS) discusses the causes and consequences of this phenomenon and its impact on vulnerable populations

Voluntários ajudam em Porto Alegre após inundações no RS. (Foto de Marcelo Oliveira/Thenews2/NurPhoto via AFP)

Forced displacement due to climate change has become a reality for many people in different parts of the world. People being compelled to leave their homes due to the effects of heavy rains in Rio Grande do Sul provides an example of how this phenomenon impacts society.

For example, over the next four years, Caxias do Sul (RS), a region that was less impacted by the heavy rainfall, is expected to receive up to 25,000 migrant families from areas in Rio Grande do Sul that were badly affected by the rain, as reported by Jornal Nacional. This displacement raises concerns in areas such as employment and income, housing, health and education. 

In an interview with Conectas, Patricia Grazziotin Noschang, a Professor at the University of Passo Fundo (RS) and a specialist in International Law, explains how climate change is affecting human displacement, the legal and social implications of this phenomenon and the possible solutions to protect the rights of those who are forced to migrate in search of safety and dignity. 

Noschang also coordinates the Extension Project “Migrant and Refugee Desk,” part of the research group “The Effectiveness of Human Rights at the International Level,” and the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Chair at UPF/RS. Check it out: 

Conectas – What is the concept of displacement caused by climate change and how does it differ from other types of displacement? Are there any social groups that are more affected by this phenomenon? 

Patricia Noschang – Displacements caused by climate change occur due to significant environmental changes, such as prolonged droughts, floods, strong winds and heatwaves and as a consequence of environmental disasters. Unlike other types of displacement, such as those sparked by conflict or persecution, climate-related displacements are directly connected to extreme weather events or gradual processes of environmental degradation, as a result of human actions.

People who are displaced for environmental or climatic reasons are those who migrate forcibly, either within their own country (internal displacement) or to other countries (international displacement). This migration can be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature and severity of the climatic events faced. For example, displacement can occur due to an extreme weather event, such as a flood or a windstorm or due to slower processes, like desertification.

There are definitely social groups that are more vulnerable to these phenomena. Among the most affected are Indigenous and Quilombola populations, people who live in areas that are often affected and do not have proper infrastructure, also riverine communities. These groups often have fewer resources and less access to means of adaptation and protection against the impacts of climate change, making them particularly susceptible to forced displacement.

Conectas – Can the recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul cause this type of displacement? What are the main contributing factors? And what are the social and economic impacts on the state? 

Patricia Noschang – The floods in Rio Grande do Sul are already causing forced displacements of people who have nowhere to return to due to the destruction of cities and neighborhoods. The lack of the basic infrastructure needed for survival, such as electricity, water, and sanitation networks, schools, hospitals and housing, is a decisive factor in making it impossible to return to the most affected regions. Food insecurity and the disruption of highways and access roads are also critical aspects for survival in the area.

In addition, people are faced with the difficult decision of leaving their homelands. This means leaving behind memories, roots, and ties with family and neighborhoods, which leads to profound sadness and a sense of loss. Forced displacement causes significant psychological trauma, one of the most serious social impacts.

The economic impacts will be felt across the entire state for a long time. Many people have lost everything, from their homes to their livelihoods (businesses, services, small-scale food production such as fruit and vegetables). With the loss of purchasing power any money they have will be directed towards basic necessities, such as migrating and rebuilding their lives, whether in the same place or elsewhere. This will result in a weakened economy, with fewer resources circulating and a greater need for support in the recovery process.

Conectas – To what extent is climate change currently influencing migrations? Are there concrete examples of communities that have been forced to migrate because of these issues?

Patricia Noschang – Drought has long been a reason for migration in Brazil and several areas of the country have become deserts. The depletion of water resources is also a crucial factor for migration, as are earthquakes and rising sea levels.

Some concrete examples include:

• The Haitians who migrated after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
• In early June, the indigenous islanders of Gardi Sugdub Island became the first island community in Panama to be forced to relocate.
• Communities in the Caribbean facing rising sea levels.
• The struggle of the Pacific Islands to avoid being completely submerged by rising sea levels.

These cases illustrate how climate change is directly forcing communities to leave their lands which dramatically alters their lives. They highlight the urgent need for global mitigation and adaptation measures.

Conectas – What should the state’s response be to the challenges posed by displacements caused by climate change? What policies and actions are necessary to mitigate these impacts?

Patricia Noschang – The state’s response should be structured around public policies implemented by law, ensuring that they become state policies rather than just government policies. It is essential to adopt measures to reduce carbon emissions, aiming to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and other international commitments.

It is necessary and urgent to maintain robust legislation that preserves and protects the environment, respecting the principle of non-regression and avoiding any easing of regulations. Additionally, it is essential to develop climate action and adaptation plans.

This includes disaster prevention, with an effective alert plan to communicate with populations that may be affected, ensuring their protection and safety. It is also crucial to consider the post-disaster period, offering adequate and targeted support, taking into account the various forms of vulnerability experienced by those affected.

Finally, it is imperative to implement economic and social restructuring plans for the municipalities that have been affected, ensuring a sustainable and resilient recovery. […] The state needs to make improvements in terms of legislation and adaptation plans that encompass both prevention and post-disaster actions. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and it is crucial that we are prepared to respond to these situations effectively and efficiently.